According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a quarter of all daily trips are less than a mile, well within walking distance for most people. Additionally, another quarter of trips are between 1 and 3 miles, comfortably in bicycling distance for those who are able enough to bike.
Despite this over half of all car trips are 6 miles or less, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This means almost all short distance trips are still being made with a car.
Many car trips parallel transit corridors that can be used to travel those longer distances. Even if you aren't able to take transit the entire trip, utilizing Park-and-Rides can cut down on the number of miles driven or the cost of a taxi. Bicycles can also be brought on most transit vehicles to be used for both first and last mile transportation.
US Department of Energy Fact of the Week show share of trips by distance according to data from the Berau of Transportation
US Department of Energy Fact of the Week showing share of vehcile trips by distance according to data from the Federal Highway Administration
Whether its visiting family and friends or patronizing a business, saying how you got somewhere can get others thinking about mobility options. Most people assume everyone gets to a location by driving but hearing that there are other ways may get them to support it more.
Stay informed by signing up for the Go Evanston newsletter. We will send out updates about city projects and changes to our transit network alongside information about micro-mobility and transit related events.
If you have issues getting around your area or feel unsafe doing so, letting your city representative know is the first step towards changing it. There are ward meetings regularly held to meet them in person, but they can also be emailed at any time. They will either let you know what they can do or forward your concern to someone who has that jurisdiction.
Multiple public works projects happen every year with a majority of them involving the public right of way. Attending these meeting or writing a response to the proposal can help make sure that the projects account for all modes of transportation
While most major capital projects are federally funded, smaller local projects and transit operations receive a majority of their funding from the state. Write in to your state representative or senator to let them know how transportation funds should be distributed.
